Ever since I started writing these previews, I was always looking ahead to see when I would be writing about the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not because I care about what their overall record will be, but because I respect the organization so much in the way they run their operation. It’s as successful a franchise as there is in professional sports and even if you hate them, you have to respect them.
We all know what the biggest question is going to be for this team in 2010. How do they start without Ben Roethlisberger for the first 4-6 games of the season? In order for them to be a playoff team, Dennis Dixon, Byron Leftwich or both will have to be adequate enough to keep them in the hunt for a wild card spot.
But even if the Steelers are able to accomplish that, Pittsburgh fans then have to hope that Roethlisberger can be in mid-season form immediately so that there are no bumps in the road on their way to the playoffs. If the Steelers are able to accomplish this, I would be willing to say already that the Steelers would be the most feared playoff team for any opponent.
Even with all the talk about the quarterbacks, the Steelers have the personnel on offence to be a smash-mouth team yet again. The opposition better prepare for a war inside the trenches with the best offensive line in football and a lot of running with Rashard Mendenhall and Mewelde Moore. Even the wide receivers don’t give any breaks as Hines Ward will continue to be one of the most physical receivers to ever play the game.
The one concern I have about the Steelers is whether or not they can build up a passing game to complement the rushing attack. A team cannot afford to be one-dimensional in the NFL, but the Steelers have a lack of depth at the wide receiver spot. Someone will have to step up beside Hines Ward since Santonio Holmes has now departed.
Defensively, this team is stacked with talent from top to bottom. It’s scary to think that some people believe the Steelers had an off-year defensively. All they did was have the most sacks in the NFL and be in the Top 5 in total yards allowed and rushing yards allowed. If they truly did underachieve, look the hell out if they’re playing up to capability.
Two players to look out for in camp are Mendenhall and Mike Wallace. Mendenhall was anointed the number one rusher on this team after rushing for over 1100 yards a year ago. Can he continue this pace now that he’s the feature back? Wallace represents the best option for a second receiver beside Hines Ward. Wallace had a stellar rookie campaign with over 700 yards receiving. Will he build on that year or go through the dreaded sophomore jinx?
2010 Prediction: 12-4